Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1887-12-03

gree stimulated by the growing conf.
oence that the days Of rebates and spe.
ciai rates were ended. ana that open rates
ON On eqnal basis we're now offered
70 all comers The reflex action
OF TINS development of confidence among
tne businessmen has been highly favor
abie tothe roads In some localities the
passage of the act was made the occasion
on the part Of dissatisfied and short
sighted railroad managers for new exac-
iions through the direct raising of rates
by q change in classification and other
wise. The manifestation Of the spirit
which Induced such action is now but
seldom observed and wrongs resulting
from It have in general been corrected.
In regard to the fourth section the
commission repeats in this place lis opin-
ION that however serious may have been
the results In some cases. the general ef-
feet has been beneficial. The changes
ID classification made since the act took
eject have been in the direction Of
greater uniformity, and have also. in
general, 1t is believed, been concessions
to business interests. The tendency of
rates has been downward, and they have
seldom been permanently advanced ex-
cept when excessive competition had re-
duced them 70 points at which they could
not well be maintained. No destructive
rate wars have occurred, but increased
stability in rates has tended in the
direction Of stability in the general
business. There is still. however, great
mischief resulting from frequent changes
IN freight rates on the part of
some companies changes that In some
cases 1t is difficult TO suggest excuse for.
Tie general results Of the law have been
in important ways favorable to both the
roads and the public while compare
lively the few complaints that have been
heard OF its results are either made with
imperfect knowledge of the facts or
spring from remembrance of practices
which the law was deliberately framed
to put an end TO.
The commission has not seen occasion
for recommending any very considerable
changes Ia the act under which its work
is performed. 1t has seemed 10 its men,
bers that the law for the regulation OF
Interstate commerce should be per-
mitted 10 have growth, and that it
would most surely as well as most safe
~ attain high degree OF eff
cheney and usefulness ia that way.
The general features of the act are
grounded on principles that will stand
the test of time and experience, and only
time and experience can determine whe-
ther all provisions made for their en-
forcement are safe, sound, and workable.
When they prove not to be experience
will be a safe guide in legislation to pro-
tect them.
incidentally in this report some need
of amendment has been pointed out,
especially ought the law as we think to
indicate in plain terms whether the
express business and all other transport
tatlon by carriers named in the act shall
be governed by its provisions. The
provision against the sudden raising of
rates ought TO be clearly made appli-
cable TO Joint rates as well as to others.
The commission ought also to have atl-
thority and means 10 bring about some
thing like uniformity in the method of
publishing rates, which is now in great
confusion, and to carefully examine, col
lect. and supervise the schedules, con-
tracts. etc. required by law TO he filed,
as we'll as properly to handle the mass Of
statistical information called for by the
twentieth section. For all these pur-
poses. as well as for others imperfectly
provided for, considerable addition to
the force employed with the commission
VIII be indispensable. Other matters,
and particularly whether transportation
by water shall be made subject to the
act, are submitted to the wisdom Of Con
gress without recommendation.